DSA graduate dies in crash in northern Durham

A teen died Tuesday night when the car she was driving ran off a wet road in northern Durham and hit a fence and trees, authorities said.

She was identified as Durham resident Krista Lynn Smith, 17, who graduated in June from Durham School of the Arts.

Patty McQuillan, communications officer for the N.C. Department of Public Safety, said Smith was traveling east on Infinity Road near Goodwin Road about 9:50 p.m. when the black 1998 Infinity she was driving crossed the centerline, ran off the road and hit “several sections” of a wooden fence and some trees. The car returned to the road facing the opposite direction.

Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

McQuillan said neither speed nor alcohol appeared to be a factor in the accident. She said Smith was wearing a seatbelt.

Howard Smith is listed as the car’s owner.

The accident is being investigated by the N.C. State Highway Patrol.

“Krista was a sweet, young lady with a wide circle of friends here at DSA and was a member of the 2013 graduating class,” Principal David Hawks said in a statement. “She was an incredibly talented visual artist and photographer and very much a part of the artistic community here at the school. She will be missed by her fellow students and the staff of Durham School of the Arts.”